A halal certificate and halal handling certificate of a cafe and restaurant in Gadong’s commercial area have been cancelled after a 25-litre barrel of pork fat (refined lard), 35 solid packets of duck blood and 58 other types of food items were found and used as cooking ingredients.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA), through the Syariah Affairs Department, said the Halal Food Control Division, on behalf of the Brunei Islamic Religious Council (MUIB), in exercising authority under Section 6 (3) of the Halal Certificate and Halal Label Order 2005, has cancelled the eatery’s halal certificates issued by MUIB.
The cancellation of the certificates was the result of a routine inspection by the enforcement officers of the Halal Food Control Division on holders of halal certificates and Brunei Islamic Religious Council permits on September 26.
The department said the discovery of non-halal ingredients is a serious violation, thus the case was investigated under Section 37 of the Halal Certificate and Halal Label Order 2005, which, if convicted, is punishable by imprisonment not exceeding two years or a fine no more than BND8,000, or both.
Holders of halal certificates and Brunei Islamic Religious Council permits are also reminded to comply with the regulations and provisions under the Halal Certificate and Halal Label Order 2005, including the requirements and conditions of halal certification set by the MUIB.
The MoRA reminded holders of halal certificates and permits to always ensure food ingredients are halal and not mixed with non-halal and dubious origin.
Fraudulent acts and violations of conditions against halal certificates and permits granted by the MUIB have to be snubbed out to maintain the well-being of the people, especially the Muslim community, the agency said.
Enforcement officers of the Halal Food Control Division will continue to carry out inspections to ensure no violations are made against the provisions of the law, requirements and conditions of halal certification.
Complaints and reports on the use or sale of non-halal products by businesses can be forwarded to the Halal Food Control Division at its hotline 7166222 or any of its branches in all four districts. – Azlan Othman
